Health Exams 101

If you're like most guys, you probably only approach a doctor for tests when you feel like something is wrong. But having regular medical exams can catch a potentially dangerous health issue while it’s still in an early, more easily treatable stage.

To help you narrow it down, I've put together a list of the most important medical exams you should be undergoing on a regular basis. Schedule them as faithfully as you maintain your vehicle. Even if it turns out that nothing is amiss with your body, a regular thumbs-up will keep you confident that you have a lot more miles left in you.

Skin cancer screening

It’s the body’s largest organ and it's something we all take for granted, but skin cancer is one of this disease’s most common forms. Risk factors include having a fair complexion, having a large number of moles or having undergone prolonged and repeated sun exposure.

How often? Everyone should inspect their own skin from time to time and schedule yearly visits with a dermatologist if they are in a high-risk category or have already had skin cancer. What happens at the exam? Fortunately, skin abnormalities are relatively easy to spot, as most can be seen with the naked eye. On your own, look for changes in the appearance of moles, especially on areas that are often exposed to the sun. If you notice one has changed shape or color, or if you develop any new moles that look irregular, see a dermatologist. If necessary, a biopsy will be conducted.

Testicular exam

Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Though it’s one of the most treatable kinds of cancer and has a low mortality rate compared to other forms of the disease, early detection is essential to its eradication. How often? You should receive a testicular exam as part of your annual physical exam and conduct monthly self-inspections. What happens at the exam? The doctor will examine your groin and genitals for any sign of abnormalities, including lumps and swelling.

Every month, along with feeling for any changes in the size or weight of your testicles, examine your genitals in a mirror to make sure there are no visible changes. Knowing what your nether regions look and feel like means that you will be better able to detect changes, increasing the likelihood of early abnormality detection.